A solemn candlelight walk united environmental advocates, youth, and residents in Cebu City on January 15, 2026, to demand justice and accountability for the deadly landslide at the Binaliw Landfill. The event served not only as a memorial for the victims but as a direct challenge to the local government to halt its hazardous waste disposal practices.
A March for Memory and Change
Organized by the EcoWaste Coalition alongside various community groups, the activity began with a silent procession from the CBD College - Inayawan Campus towards the St. Augustine Quasi Parish. Participants carried candles, symbols of mourning, remembrance, and a collective hope that such a tragedy would never be repeated. Following a short program after a mass, voices were raised to call for systemic change.
Direct Challenge to Local Government
Victor Sumampong of Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) courageously challenged the local government to own its responsibility for the Binaliw tragedy and solve the long-standing failures in waste management. "The Binaliw incident shows the bitter reality of relying solely on landfills. As long as we just bury our trash, communities and workers will remain in danger," Sumampong stated.
Echoing this call for action, Angelique Legaspi of the EcoWaste Coalition emphasized that honoring the Holy Child, Sr. Sto. Niño, also means protecting life and caring for the environment. The coalition directly challenged the city to prioritize waste reduction, ban single-use plastics, and promote reuse, recycling, and composting during the upcoming Sinulog festivities—a shift they termed a "Zero Waste Sinulog."
A Unified Stand for a Sustainable Future
The movement concluded with a firm, unified stance centered on three core demands:
- Justice for the victims of the Binaliw landslide.
- A permanent solution to the national waste crisis.
- A transition to a system that values human health and environmental integrity over mere waste disposal.
The event underscored a growing public demand to move beyond temporary fixes and toward sustainable practices that prevent future environmental disasters and loss of life.
